Drug Recommendation

Sprycel is a kinas inhibitor approved for adults and children with Philadelphia chromosome positive (Ph+) chronic myeloid leukemia or acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

General Info

Sprycel targets BCR-ABL, an abnormal tyrosine kinase produced by the Philadelphia chromosome mutation in people with certain types of leukemia. It also inhibits several other tyrosine kinases including platelet-derived growth factor receptor, c-KIT and those in the SRC family. Studies showed that Sprycel prevents proliferation of blood cells that grow out of control in people with Ph+ leukemia. It is also being tested for eosinophilic leukemia.

Dosage

Dosing Info:

Sprycel is a tablet usually taken once daily with or without food.

Side Effects

Common side effects include swelling, diarrhea, nausea, headache, skin rash, fatigue and muscle or joint pain. Sprycel can cause depletion of red blood cells (anemia), white blood cells (neutropenia) and platelets (thrombocytopenia), which can lead to infections and easy bleeding. Potentially serious side effects may include severe swelling or edema, heart and lung problems, severe skin reactions and tumor lysis syndrome, a reaction that can occur when cancer cells die suddenly. Sprycel may cause fetal harm if used during pregnancy.